Curved Beam Centering Spring With Integrated Fluid Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centering spring and oil damper configurations in gas turbine engines are bulky, expensive, and complex to machine, and curved beam dampers are not conducive for providing effective oil film damping in all applications, consuming significant axial space and experiencing sealing and scuffing issues.
Innovation Solution
A curved beam centering spring arrangement with a fluid damper positioned between the bearing housing and the outer race, using a cylindrical wall with radially extending mounting flanges to form a sealed fluid damping chamber, which is compliant in the radial direction to manage vibrations and axial thrust loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional centering spring and oil damper configuration is used, then vibrations are managed effectively, but axial space is significantly consumed and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering spring and oil damper functions into a single integrated curved beam structure. The curved beam itself serves as the spring element, while fluid damping chambers are incorporated directly within the bearing housing, eliminating the need for separate damper components and reducing overall assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid damping chambers are nested within the bearing housing structure, with the curved beam positioned between the outer race and the housing. This nesting arrangement allows the damping function to be embedded within the existing structural framework, reducing the number of external components needed
2Reliability
If a conventional centering spring and oil damper configuration is used, then vibrations are managed effectively, but axial space is significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear axial arrangement to a curved beam configuration that utilizes radial and circumferential dimensions. The curved beam arches over the outer race, allowing the spring element to fit within a smaller axial envelope while maintaining the necessary deflection characteristics for vibration management
3Strength
If conventional centering spring configuration is used, then support stiffness is provided, but sealing robustness decreases and scuffing issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluid damping chambers as an intermediary element between the curved beam and the bearing housing. These chambers contain damping fluid that provides both sealing functionality and shock absorption, preventing direct contact between mating surfaces and eliminating scuffing issues while maintaining support stiffness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration provides a compact, lightweight, and robust solution for managing vibrations and thrust loads, enhancing sealing robustness and reducing scuffing, while allowing for tunable stiffness and effective fluid damping in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The curved beam centering spring is compliant in the radial direction to manage vibrations and axial thrust loads effectively
Implementation Method 2
A fluid damper is positioned between the bearing housing and the curved beam centering spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A gas turbine engine component includes a bearing (60) configured to support a shaft (62) for rotation about an axis, wherein the bearing includes an outer race (66) and an inner race (68), and a bearing housing (72) spaced radially outwardly of the outer race. A curved beam centering spring (74) is positioned between the outer race and the bearing housing. A cylindrical wall (82) is radially outward of the bearing housing and engages the outer race and the bearing housing.